Research Associate

About the role

We are seeking to recruit a skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr Sung Pil Hong’s laboratory at Imperial College London (Hammersmith Campus) to investigate non-genetic intratumoural heterogeneity and its role in therapeutic resistance in oesophageal cancer. Oesophageal cancer remains a disease with poor clinical outcomes, and emerging evidence suggests that adaptive tumour cell state transitions rather than pre-existing resistant genetic clones may play a key role in treatment failure.

This CRUK-funded project combines patient-derived organoid models, single-cell multiomic technologies, and translational human tissue studies to understand drug-tolerant persister biology and identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental delivery of this translational research programme and support ongoing collaborative translational research within the group.

What you would be doing

You will manage and deliver key experimental workflows within a translational oesophageal cancer research programme, including processing human tissue samples, establishing patient-derived organoid models, and performing functional molecular biology experiments such as CRISPR perturbation, siRNA/ASO knockdown, drug response assays, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and histological analyses.

You will support single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell ATAC sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and related multiomic sample preparation from patient samples. The role also includes coordinating laboratory activities, supporting postgraduate researchers and junior laboratory members, maintaining laboratory operations, and contributing to collaborative projects across Imperial College London and with external partners. The postholder will contribute to preparation of scientific publications and grant reports arising from the project.

What we are looking for

You should hold a PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline and have strong laboratory experience in translational cancer research. Experience working with human tissue samples, patient-derived organoids, and molecular biology techniques such as CRISPR, RNA interference approaches, and functional assays is essential.

Experience with single-cell sequencing workflows and multiomic sample preparation would be highly advantageous. You should be well organised, self-motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research environment, and committed to maintaining high standards of experimental rigour and reproducibility.

What we can offer you

You will have access to state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial transcriptomics facilities and opportunities to work closely with clinical teams supporting a regional early upper gastrointestinal cancer service.

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Develop in your role with access to learning and development opportunities.
• Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Gain access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Further Information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), fixed term contract until 30th June 2028 based at Hammersmith Campus.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range£43,863 - £47,223per annum.

Hybrid working may be considered for this role.  Staff working in roles that are suitable for hybrid working will normally be expected to work 60% of their time onsite.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Sung Pil Hong – s.hong@imperial.ac.uk